Easter at Chamberlain
- Event Type: Small community event
- Description: Unticketed outdoor one-day community event
- Size: 2,000 visitors
- Location: Chamberlain Park Golf Course, Mt Albert
- Waste Separation: Recyclables, compostables, and rubbish
- Performance: Approximately 65% of event waste was either recycled or composted
and therefore diverted from landfill.
How we did:
1 Reduce incoming waste
We asked vendors to sell food in compostable packaging only, and they all agreed to do this.
2 Choose the right bin
It was difficult to predict just how much waste, and what types, there would be – so the we ensured there was extra space, just in case.
3 Let people know
Volunteers monitored each waste stations. Vendors and event visitors were happy to do as required based on the information provided to them.
4 Capture feedback
In the first year the event recycled or composted about two thirds of the event waste. We will continue to adopt a zero waste approach for the event next year and aim for increased diversion.
Easter at Chamberlain, 80% Zero Waste
Key Messages:
- Our main message is that recycling waste at events is easy!
- Both attendees and vendors were really keen to help as long as there was clear information about what to do.
- Allowing for plenty of bins and space for the collected material made sure everything was kept under control.
Key Learnings:
- Smaller community events are often held on a very tight budget
- Make sure you have the right number of community volunteers
- Weather can make numbers at outdoor events unpredictable
- Harder to communicate in advance with visitors without ticketing
- Lots of different groups can be involved, needing coordination
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